Rizla Suzuki MotoGP racer John Hopkins clocked the third fastest time during today’s free practice sessions for Sunday’s Grand Prix of Turkey.
Hopkins (1’55.062, 34 laps) consistently improved his times throughout the day and has identified some alterations that he and his crew will be working on overnight to make the latest 800cc GSV-R perform even better tomorrow.
Chris Vermeulen (1’55.707, 37 laps) recorded the seventh fastest time of the day at a circuit that holds good memories for him following last year’s pole position and top 10 finish. The 24-year-old Australian set his fastest time on the 23rd lap on the same Bridgestone race tyre. Today’s quickest time was set by Casey Stoner on his Bridgestone-shod Ducati, as Bridgestone riders filled eight of the top 10 places.
Vermeulen and Hopkins were the second and third respectively during this morning’s session when conditions were very difficult for all riders. Overnight rain left the track very wet and as it began to dry situations didn’t improve as the 5.3km circuit was very dusty and slippery.
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